This project converts a federation carpenter gothic church into tourist accommodation and a holiday home for a young family from Tasmania’s south. The region is increasingly popular among adventure tourists, particularly mountain bikers attracted to the Blue Derby.
The clients see themselves as custodians of the Church’s history and want to preserve as much of the building as possible. Consequently the nave and porch will simply be refurbished and used as sleeping quarters, while kitchen, dining, bathroom and storage will be housed in a new extension.
As the Church is a landmark for the local community, views of the building from the surrounding streets are carefully maintained. The new building is embedded in the ground evocative of the rock formations that pepper the hillsides, with a stretched skillion roof, referencing local building precedents. Internal elements, including a mezzanine bedroom and nook with open fire, can be easily removed if the Church’s use changes in the future.
The flexible plan with multiple sleeping and living areas, as well as outdoor shower, bike storage and bike wash, allows the Church to be enjoyed by the family alone or larger groups of tourists.
